The eight points of the Maltese Cross and their meaning. 1. Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 2. Blessed are those who mourn; for they shall be comforted. 3. Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth. 4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be satisfied. 5. Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy. 6. Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God. 7. Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God. 8. Blessed are those who suffer persecution for righteousness' sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. However, two other lists have been found during the research for this paper which are variations of the beatitudes; In one document the eight obligations of the Knights are given as: To live in truth. To have faith. To be sincere. To give proof of humility. To love justice. To be merciful. To endure persecution. To repent of sin.

A similar list with slightly differing wording has also been found; Spiritual Joy; to live without malice; to weep over your sins; to humble yourself to those who injure you; to love justice; to be merciful; to be sincere and pure of heart; and to suffer persecution. An additional list of Eight Knightly Virtues. In the Priory of Dacia, in the tradition of the Russian Grand Priory, a list of Knightly Virtues is used not to replace the Beatitudes but to be used in addition; Loyalty. Care for the Church. Helpfulness to the Sick and the Poor. Contempt for Death. Honour and Glory. Courage. Generosity. Piety. A non-Christian alternative replacement list. What the above lists have in common, is that they are Christian in origin and understanding. The British Royal Order has a secular version, with no reference to the Christian Faith and understanding.  the Official Government record for Canada, provides this statement of a switch to a non-Christian set of Virtues for the Most Venerable Order of St John in the British Realm; The universal motto of St.

John, quite rightly, is: "For the Service of Mankind." The official emblem of St. John Ambulance, and the St. John people around the world, is a white cross. The emblem is significant in that the eight points that span off into the four arms were to put the wearers in mind of always bearing in their hearts the cross of Jesus, adorned with the eight virtues that attend it. Prior to the council of the order in England, the meaning of each point was basically religious. But since then, the meanings have been changed. They are: observation, tact, resource, dexterity, explicitness, discrimination, perseverance and sympathy. The four Cardinal Virtues stay the same (prudence, temperance, justice and fortitude), due to the fact that they can be read in a non-theological way! Cross Formée The origin of the Eight-fold interpretation. The origin of giving meaning to the eight-pointed cross of the Order, will have developed in Rhodes, and not before. The earliest Cross used in the Order was the simple uniform, straight arm Greek Cross, which gave way to the Cross Formée, both of which lack the eight pointed formation.

There is no mention of an eight-pointed cross in the earliest of the Order's literature. When the Order moved to Rhodes, it was afforded a long and settled existence in which to develop its art and traditions, and from this developed a definite eight pointed cross - a branched version of the Cross Formée. The design of the eight-pointed cross was developed further during the time on Malta to become the Maltese Cross with its definite straight lines of four arrow heads meeting in the middle. The Rhodian Cross The Maltese Cross: All you need to know about Maltese Crosses The Maltese Cross A symbol of courage in Malta and all across the globe Renowned worldwide, the Maltese Cross is the symbol of the Knights of Malta or the Knights Hospitaller, as they are also known. The Knights Hospitaller are hugely associated with the tiny island of Malta. The knights were essentially an order of Christian warriors and their legacy on the Maltese Islands can be seen and felt almost in every corner of the islands. The Maltese Cross is one of the national symbols of Malta and representations and variations of it can be seen all across the islands. It is also shown on the back of the one and two Euro coins.

(Malta joined the Euro Zone in 2008). The Knights of Malta were originally a group of monks attached to a hospice to aid pilgrims. With time, these monks began to offer armed escort to travellers since the Syrian territory was highly dangerous during that period. With the success of the First Crusade, these monks were transformed into a fully fledged military order. What does the cross of Malta look like? The Malta cross has eight points and takes the form of four "V" shaped arms, joining together at the tips. Each arm has two points. The design is said to be based on similar crosses which were used during the First Crusade. This type of cross was also the symbol of Amalfi which was an Italian republic of the 11th century. For this reason, the cross is sometimes also referred to as the Amalfi Cross. So what is the meaning of the Maltese Cross? The points of the cross symbolize the eight points of courage. These points are: Loyalty Sympathetic The Malta Cross Today Today, the Maltese Cross is one of the national symbols of Malta, the symbol of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, the Order of St. John and St.

John Ambulance. In more recent years, the Malta cross has been adopted by various other organizations and entitities all across the globe. Many variations of the cross exist and one can find various websites offering related clipart and photos. The cross features on the flag and coat of arms of Queensland in Australia. The cross of Malta is also represented on many ambulance services in Australia. In Spain, the cross is the symbol of the military Medical Corps. In the U.K., the cross is the symbol used by Rifle Regiments. It's also the symbol of Neath Rugby Football Club in Wales. Motorcyle clubs all across the U.S.A. often include the Malta Cross in their insignia. Many of them include a variation of it, which is known as the Cross pattee. Also in the U.S.A., the cross is hugely popular with fire departments and is incorporated in their insignia. However, the Fire Department Maltese Cross used by the U.S. fire departments is essentially a Florian Cross. St. Florian is the patron saint of firefighters. The Florian Cross is often mistakingly referred to as the Maltese Cross. If you're looking for related firefighters jewelry, apparel and accessories, click here.

The cross is also widely popular as a tattoo design and the fascination with Malta Cross Tattoos spans practically all across the globe! Stunning Jewelry! Over the years, the allure of the cross of Malta has made it a much sought after jewelry item. Check out our selection of the best Maltese Cross Jewelry you'll find online. Pendants and Necklaces Looking for beautiful Malta Cross necklaces that you can buy online? We've selected the best there are on the net! Choose from the original, simple knights' cross design or go for a trendier or bolder style. Go to our Pendants page, browse around, compare prices and get your perfect necklace! Bracelets Maybe you've been looking for the ideal bracelet for you or your partner. Check out our fantastic collection of bracelets here, and choose from beautiful sterling silver bracelets, bikers leather bracelets, stainless steel or pewter bracelets. Earrings Looking for some stylish earrings? Maltese Cross earrings are usually dainty and small, adding to their mystery and style. Have a look at our Earrings section, for a selection of the most beautiful earrings you can buy online. Rings for Men In general, men are not usually that keen on rings.

However, Maltese Cross Rings are incredibly popular with guys. If you'd like to get your man a unique gift that is sure to please him, check out our selection of cool rings, by visiting our Rings page for a collection of the top favorites! Maltese Cross Accessories Check out our selection of short and long stem mirrors today! Shopping for decals? Have a look at our decals page for a vast assortment of stunning decals suitable for men and women. While you're there be sure to browse the Firefighter decals' section! How about getting a cool Maltese Cross Belt Buckle? Check out our fab selection at the Belt Buckles Section, for the top favorites! The Maltese Cross is famous worldwide and if you're visiting the Maltese Islands, you will no doubt see it represented in many shapes, forms and sizes. It's also very well represented in the many souvenier shops that you'll find scattered all across the islands. This is definitely one "part" of the Maltese Islands that you'd want to take back with you. Return from The Maltese Cross to MaltaBulb: Your Malta Holidays Travel Guide home page History of the Maltese Cross. Great Seal of the Convent.

The early use of a Cross. If the Patriarchal Cross was the first form of cross, then it soon gave way to an equally early form of cross used by the Order, that of the Cross Formée (a Greek Cross with fluted arms). This cross can be seen on the wall of the stairs leading to the chapel within the Krak des Chevaliers which was the Syrian Castle of the Hospitallers from 1144 to 1271. A good example of early forms of the cross are provided by the two seals of the Oxford Hospital circa 1234 and later. These are in the form of Cross Formée and Pattée Formée, both with Fitch at Foot ( fig. 2. ) #5. Other examples are to be found in King #6. fig. 2. Crusader State Coins. In examining coins and seals of the Grand Masters of Rhodes and Malta, the researcher can note that there is no consistency of design. Some crosses on the coins of the Grand Masters of Rhodes and Malta from the 14th and 15th Centuries, are indeed eight pointed but are variations of the Cross Moline, Cross Potent with chamfered ends.

Cross Formée or Cross Pattée, the latter two stylised with concave ends and/or extended points. For example a half gros of Fulk of Villaret portrays a Cross Moline. An asper of Peter of Aubusson also portrays a Cross Moline. However a text separator on the same coin is a stylised Cross Formée, looking more like the familiar Maltese Cross. As to the early written descriptions of an eight pointed cross, these could include Cross Moline, Cross Ancrée, Formée Pattée, a stylised Cross Formée or Cross Pattée, or Cross Branchée/ Fichée. Such versions of the cross were depicted in use by the Order prior to the sixteenth Century. In surveying the evidence of the forms of crosses used by the Order in Rhodes and in the early period at Malta, we must take note that the designs to be found on the Order's coinage were not exclusive to the Order, and that such crosses are to be found on the coins of other Crusader states. For example a Christian Arabic dinar or bezant of Acre 1257, which from the cross portrayed, could be argued as a Maltese Cross coin!

The image seems to be a combination of a Cross Formée and a Cross Moline, but are almost identical to that on the gigliats of Helion de Villeneuvre, a Grand Master of Rhodes 1319-1346. Similar designs are to be found on Coinage from the Principality of Antioch, Lordship of Sidon, Cilician Armenia, Duchy of Athens, Lordship of Chios (a striking example is that of a quarter-gigliato prior to 1466). fig. 3. The Seal of the Priory of Manosque, France 1216. Note the Cross Moline, both as a text separator and as the main image. This provides an early example of an eight pointed cross in use by the Order, which is certainly not a Maltese Cross. fig. 4. The influence of Amalfi.

One correspondent to the Sunday Times of Malta, the late Tony Borg-Cardona writes; "The display of crosses on coins of the Grand Masters in these centuries does not differ significantly from crosses on the coins of the Crusading States in the same period....This then brings us to question the claimed Amalfi origins, and to ask which ancient authority first made the claim, and whether the claim now needs to be revised?" #7. The coin used by the Amalfitans in their commercial exchanges was the Tari. The word Tari meant freshly minted. The coins were 12 carat and were made of equal parts of gold and silver mixed with a small quantity of copper. As far back as the 11th century Amalfi issued gold Tari from its own mint. One one side of the Tari there is an emblem, which is given to be the source of the eight pointed cross ( fig. 5. ). Four 'v's in square formation, are supplemented with a globe in the open arms of the 'v's.

From a sight of the coin, the dependence of the Order's evolving cross on the Tari is far from conclusive, and can be discounted, especially as the Order appears to have used the Cross Formée in the 12th and 13th centuries. fig. 5. The Evidence from Rhodes - The Rhodian Cross. A Rhodian Coin circa 1319-1360 ( fig. 6. ) provides an image much like that on the Seal of the Priory of Manosque, France of 1216. It is most likely that the coin is early 14th Century rather than late 14th Century. This Cross Moline of the Order (if it was in regular use) was eventually displaced by a variant of the Cross Formée with a concave or "v" ends, as witnessed by the artwork which emerged after the Seige of 1480. fig. 6. Rhodian Coin dated circa 1319-1360 Following the Order's successful survival of the 1480 Siege of Rhodes, Guillaume Caoursin produced an illuminated work on the history of the siege.

The cross portrayed on the mantles of the Knights, is almost akin to a modern Maltese Cross, if somewhat irregular ( fig. 7. ). The date of the work is around 1482-1489 #8. What seems to be portrayed by Caoursin, is a Cross Formée with wide ends, which have been ancerated, following the form of a Cross Moline. The coloured versions show evidence of being retouched. The cross fails to follow the contours of the robes. Compare for example, the original etchings of the same period drawn by Caoursin. It is these woodcuts which lay behind the illuminations. These provide a Cross Formée Branchée/ Fichée - a Greek Cross, ancerated with 'v's cut into the ends #9 ( fig. 8. ). This Cross can be termed the Rhodian Cross. If any retouching of the illuminations is discounted then Caoursin's work does not appear to be consistent. However defending the originality of the cross detail in the illuminations, is a 1304 illumination from the Liber Indulgentiae showing a similar design to that found in Caoursin's Siege of Malta.

Yet other drawings of the Knights in the same period show a Cross Moline/Cross Ancrée #10. fig. 7. Entertaining Sultan Zizim in Rhodes. fig. 8. Detail from a Caoursin etching Confirming the detail in the etching of Coursin (of the Rhodian Cross), is a woodcut, and although of the late 16th Century (i.e. when the Knights were in Malta), it portrays a Knight of Rhodes, where the cross's ancerated ends are very modest ( fig. 9. ) #11. A contemporary confirmation is found on the wall of Bodrum Castle dated to 1510 ( fig. 11 ) #12. The Rhodian Cross persisted in the beginning period of the Knights new home in Malta, as late as the mid 1500s, as evidenced on a coin of Grand Master Sengle ( fig. 12. ). We can conclude that whilst the Rhodian Cross appears to be the form that was used in the 15th Century onwards, some artwork depicting the Order's crosses of that period, suggest a less consistent picture.

We cannot discount that the brush of the Artist may have stumbled accidentally on the modern design! fig. 9. found on the Walls of Bodrum Castle, Turkey #12. fig. 11. "The arms Rhodian had almost, but not quite, achieved the straight lined sharp arrowhead appearance, noted from the mid 16th century onwards." The Arms of Peter d'Aubusson ( fig. 10. ) may have influenced the evolving cross of the Order. D'Aubusson continued as Grand Master until 1503, with continued evidence of the use by the Order of the ancerated Cross Formée, and the Cross Ancrée. For example coins of the period display the Cross Ancrée, such as the asper and billon denier. A denier issued under Grand Master Emeric d'Amboise provides a Cross Moline. The Cross Moline and Cross Ancrée were stylised Greek crosses, with the ends dividing, tapering, and leading off, right and left, or curved round to form an anchor end. The Evolution of the Maltese Cross.

From the evidence of the Seals, the Cross Formée and Cross Pattée (a thicker form of Cross with definite fluted arms) with a variant form in the Pattée Formée (almost four triangles in square formation) were used in the 12th and 13th centuries. Some variations of the Cross Formée/Pattée had concave ends to the arms, moving the design toward the eight pointed cross. Local variations of the cross used by the Order such as the Cross Moline used on the Seal of the Priory of Manosque, France early 13th century provided an influence toward an eight pointed cross used in the following century. By the 14th century there is a regular portrayal of an eight pointed cross, such as the Cross Moline or Cross Ancrée, contributing to the evolutionary design. The uncertain design of the Order's cross in the late 12th century and throughout the 13th century, will reflect the uncertain future the Order faced following the loss of Jerusalem in 1187. Convents were secured in Tyre; 1187, Acre; 1191, Cyprus; 1291.

Following the conquest of Rhodes by the Order, the Order was to enjoy a 300 year period of settled existence. In this period a definite form of the eight pointed cross emerged. This was represented by a Cross Formée Branchée/ Fichée, (the Rhodian Cross). The arms of the Rhodian Cross had almost, but not quite, achieved the straight lined sharp arrowhead appearance, noted from the mid 16th century onwards. Other Authors and their comments on the evolution of the Cross. Cecil Humphery-Smith in his book on Hugh Revel #13 writes; "In the Matthew Paris shields #14 Gules, a cross argent appears for the Hospital, though some versions draw a cross formy throughout in place of a plain cross. On contemporary seals the cross is already splayed slightly at the ends #15. Terence Wise notes; "... from the start all members of the Order wore a black mantle. Between 1120 and 1160 it was laid down that a white cross should be worn on the breast of this mantle. No example of this cross survives from the 12th century, but in 1224 the master's seal shows a plain Latin cross.

The cumbersome mantle was replaced in 1248 by a black surcoat with a cross on the breasts, but in 1259, as a result of a petition by the Order, permission was granted for all military members to wear surcoats 'and other military insignia [possibly horse trappings?] which shall be of a red colour, and in which a white coloured cross is placed, in the same manner as in your standard.' ... The Order's cross had now taken the shape of a cross formée or pattée.. The development of this cross during our period towards the Maltese cross of the 15th century may be traced via the seals and coins of the Order" #16. The introduction of the Maltese Cross into the Order. In the mid 1500s, when the Knights are at Malta, the familiar design now known as the "Maltese Cross" makes its appearance. With some exceptions, all portrayals of the Cross of the Order become Maltese, even those portraying earlier figures and events in the Order. This is the beginning of the myth. So how and when was the Maltese Cross introduced into the Order?

The first evidence of the modern Maltese Cross appears on the 2 Tari and 4 Tari Copper ( fig. 13. ) coins of the Grand Master Jean de la Vallette-Parisot (Grand Master 1557-1568). The 2 and 4 Tari Copper coins are dated 1567. This provides a date for the introduction of the Maltese Cross into the Order. For a period older forms of the Order's Cross persisted such as that at the Dutch Commandery of Harderwijk ( fig. 14. Possible explanations. Hospitaller Nuns of Sixena. Louis de Boisgelin, a Knight of the Order in Malta, prior to the events of their ejection by Napoleon, may provide some clues in the details about the Nuns of Sixena, who were originally a part of the Order of St John but had, at the end of the fifteenth century, separated to come under the direct authority of the Pope. Writing about their returned to the obedience of the Order in 1569, he describes their emblem as a "white cross with eight points" #18.

There would have been discussions well before the date of their return, and within Vallette's time. The reconciliation of the Nuns might offer some insights to the origins of the introduction of the Maltese Cross into the Order. Boisgelin's attention to the detail of the cross, suggests en passant, that it was novum to the Order. Its introduction at that point in time fits in with its historic appearance at about the same time. Further research is needed on the use of the eight pointed cross by the Nuns of Sixena, beyond the scope of this monograph, which might affirm or discount this theory. The Great Siege of Malta. In terms of any "time line" for the Order, the introduction of the modern form of the "eight pointed" Cross, with its straight geometrical lines, is post the Great Siege of Malta. Fresh architectural input came from the building of Valletta. For example, any visitor to such as the Co-Cathedral of St John (built between 1573 and 1577) cannot escape the preponderance of examples of the new form of eight pointed cross (today known as the Maltese Cross) throughout the Cathedral ( fig 15. ).

The chief buildings of the new city, also provide a celebration of the new cross. Researchers may not have to look much further, for the building of Valletta as being the genesis as providing the final form of the evolved cross of the Order. Example of Maltese Cross from St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta. fig 15. What is certain is that the Maltese Cross (as defined at the beginning of this monograph) was not adopted by the Order earlier than the mid sixteenth century (except anachronistically) #19, and thus it can be accepted with historic accuracy that the cross known to be the Maltese Cross was introduced in use to the Order of St. John of Jerusalem during their time in Malta. #1 King, Edwin J, The Knights Hospitaller in the Holy Land, Methuen & Co. Ltd, London 1931, footnote 5 , page 22. #2 King, Edwin, J. The Seals of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, Methuen & Co. Ltd, London 1932 ; King, Edwin .J.

The Rule, Statutes and Customs of the Hospitallers, Methuen & Co. Ltd, London 1931. #3 King-The Rule, Statutes and Customs of the Hospitallers, photo-plate opposite page 10. #4 Ashmole, Elias, The History of the most Noble Order of the Garter: And the several Orders of Knighthood extant in Europe. A Bell; E.Curll; J.Pemberton; A Collins; W.Taylor; J.Baker, London 1715. The time of Eugenius III was 1145-1153. #5 Salter (Revd) H.E. (ed). A Cartulary of the Hospital of St John the Baptist, Oxford Historical Society, Claredon Press 1917. Vol III Frontispiece. #6 See King-The Seals of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, passim. #7 A.J. Borg-Cardona, The Amalfi Cross? Letters, The Sunday Times, Malta, August 1st 1999, page 18.

#8 A copy of the work is held in the Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris, MS Lat. 6067; Caoursin, Guillaume, Siege of Rhodes, Rhodes 1482-1498. #9 Caoursin, Guillaume, Gravures sur bois, Stabilimenta, Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris. I am grateful to Guy Joly GCSJ for pointing this fact out. #10 A Knight of Rhodes in the 14th Century. Simon de Hesdin presents his work to Charles V. Bruxelles, Bibliothèque Royale Albert 1st, ms 9078 follio 9v. #11 Lacroix, Paul. Military and Religious Life in the Middle Ages and at the period of the Renaissance. Chapman and Hall, London, 1873, page 173. #12 Caluwé, The Reverend Robert de. Guide Notes on Heraldry of the Sovereign Order of Saint John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller, OSJ ivzw Belgium 2000, Illustration 343, page 41.

#13Humphery-Smith, Cecil. R. J. Hugh Revel - Master of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, 1258-1277, Phillimore & Co, Ltd, West Sussex, 1994, preface xi-xii. #14 Humphery-Smith's footnote 1. London, Tremlett and Wagner, Aspilogia II, Rolls of Arms, Henry III, p25. See also C. R. Humphery_Smith, Anglo-Norman Armory Two, An Ordinary of Thirteenth Century Coat of Arms (1985), p.315, though some versions of this coat appear with arms of the cross throughout. #15 Humphery-Smith's footnote 2. E. J. King. The Seals of the Order of St John of Jerusalem (1932), plate iii, fig.2; Revue Archéologique, New Series, xxxii (1876), p.237; and L.-C. Doüet d'Arcq, Collection des sceaux (1963), 9881. #16 Wise, Terence.

The Wars of the Crusades 1096-1291, Osprey Publishing Limited, 1978, pages 106-107. #17 Caluwé, The Reverend Robert de. Guide Notes on Heraldry of the Sovereign Order of Saint John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller , OSJ ivzw Belgium 2000, Illustration 344, page 41. #18 Boisgelin, Louis de. Ancient and Modern Malta, and the History of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, 3 Volumes bound together. G & J Robinson, London 1804, Volume I, Book II, Chapter I, page 136. #19 Discounting "near" examples, of accidental similarity, and which had no consistency of use. Used with permission. The Maltese Cross and the Fire Service The History of the "Maltese Cross" by Mica Calfee One can easily find a hundred web sites that will tell you that the symbol of the fire service comes from the "Knights of Malta" and their battles with Ottoman pirates or the Saracens.

The story is that these knights had a cross on their tunics and that the Saracens used fire as a weapon against them. All of this is true. There were many of these knights who risked their lives to save their comrades or structures from the fires. But there is much more to the story than that. These knights were incredibly brave and one battle has them winning against unbelievable odds. PLEASE NOTE: This article is not meant to suggest that the current emblem of the United States fire service did not evolve from the cross of the Knights of St. John. All the contributors and sources of the article suggest, is how it may have done so and the history of those brave knights and of the emblem. In his book " Badges of the Bravest " Gary Urbanowicz states that the first use of a Maltese cross was adopted by FDNY in 1865. In Brooklyn they apparently adopted it in 1882. "The article appeared in the September 19, 1882 issue of the Brooklyn Eagle. It says: 'Commissioner Partridge has decided to make a change in the design of the badges of the Fire Department.

The present badge is of nickel and in the form of a four-leaf clover. The new one is in the design of a Maltese cross, the old sixth army corps badge. Those of the Commissioner, deputy, chief engineer and assistants are gold-plated, and those of the privates are German silver. The present badges have been in use so long that some of them have found their way into the possession of parties who are not entitled to them, and from whom they cannot be obtained. Hence the change.'" - Gary Urbanowicz As mentioned elsewhere on this site, the Civil War had much influence on the traditions of the fire service. We can probably all agree that the firefighters emblem is an attractive design. It is unique and does an excellent job of representing that, whatever it is attached to, is fire service related. NEW! A website that talks more about the cross of the Knights of St. John, and its relationship to the U.S. Fire service emblem, can be found here. These “Knights of Malta”. There were "Knights of Malta." In fact they still exist, although, this was not their actual name.

A more proper name might have been, “Order of St John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller.” This was a Benedictine order of monks that was founded around 1100 AD. They maintained a hospital in Jerusalem for pilgrims after the first crusade. But soon after that, their mission became that of defense and they later became a military order under it's own charter, charged with the care of and defense of the holy land and pilgrims. After the loss of the holy land, (Jerusalem fell in 1187) this military order resided in several places. These locations include Rhodes and Malta. It is because of the many places they occupied, that to this day they are known as, “The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta” (abbreviated SMOM). A small sovereign piece of land in Rome is said to house the remaining knights of this order. These knights were a major military force for hundreds of years. What about the fire? The use of fire as a weapon became popular during the crusades.

Skill in glass blowing and other technologies made it possible to hurl flammable liquids or, what we today might call, “ Molotov Cocktails ” down upon enemies attacking your battlements. The Knights of St. John were undoubtedly involved in such battles. Some of the more famous battles probably involved the Saracens. The Saracens used fire in many ways. Besides throwing fire bombs, they would sail vessels containing flammables into crusader’s ships. Many knights were reported to be courageous and heroic in their attempts to rescue their fellow knights in such battles and in the face of such a terrifying weapon. More about Malta. On August 15, 1309 the knights captured the island of Rhodes. A more famous order of military knights was the “Knights Templar”. This order was dissolved in 1312 and most of its property was given to the Hospitallers. Now known as “The Knights of Rhodes” they were forced to become a more militarized force, fighting especially with the Barbary pirates.

They withstood two invasions in the 15th century, one by the Sultan of Egypt in 1444 and another by Mehmed II in 1480, who after the fall of Constantinople made the Knights a priority target. In 1522 an entirely new threat arrived from turkey, when 400 ships under the command of “Suleman (Suleiman) The Magnificent” brought 200,000 men to Rhodes. To repel this force the knights had only the walls of the city and about 7000 men. The resulting siege lasted six months, at the end of which the survivors were allowed to leave Rhodes and retreated to the Kingdom of Sicily. In exchange, the knights promised to leave Suleman's minions in peace. But after a time, they were once again fighting each other. The knights eventually moved to the island of Malta. They were allowed to relocate to the island of Malta under a 1530 order of Pope Clement VIII. But they had to pay rent to a feudal landlord, the king of Sicily. This rent consisted on one “Maltese Falcon” a year.

This historic fact was the basis of the plot of Hammett’s famous book and subsequent movie, The Maltese Falcon. They built large fortifications on malta including St. Elmo's Fort. Finally they acquired the name, “The Knights of Malta”. From Malta they launched attacks on the Barbary Pirates and became enemies of the Ottoman Empire once again. In 1564 Suleiman again set his sights on the knights. He sent his armada of over 170 ships to Malta with over 40,000 well trained troops and many thousand more slaves and mercenaries. Malta endured many sieges starting in 1565 but remained victorious. An amazing account of the siege of Malta can be found HERE . It was only in 1798 that Malta fell at the hands of Napoleon. But it was through trickery rather than military might. Napoleon asked for safe harbor and then, once allowed inside the defenses, turned on his hosts. The order also had a rule that prohibited fighting with other Christians. They had also, previously, lost much of their property and resources because it was in France and had been confiscated. (4) Members of the order were given shelter in various countries.

It has survived in several forms since then. The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta, better known as the Sovereign Military Order of Malta or SMOM, is a Catholic order which claims national sovereignty and has been granted permanent observer status at the United Nations. (It's claims of sovereignty are not without dispute.) SMOM is considered to be the most direct successor to the medieval Knights Hospitaller, also known as the Knights of Malta, and today operates as a largely charitable and ceremonial organization. There are several other organizations who attempt to capitalize on the name and call themselves "Knights of Malta". What about the Cross? By all accounts, the knights of Malta did wear a medieval cross. It looked something like this. The Reverend Dr. Michael Foster in his "History of the Maltese Cross" , defines a "Maltese Cross" as one, “made from four straight lined pointed arrowheads, meeting at their points, with the ends of the arms consisting of indented 'v's" (2) In some sources this is actually known as a "Cross Patee-Nowy" (Pattee-Nowee).

(3) They state that this means something like a "swallow tailed cross" A student of heraldry, who has contacted me, disputes this definition because the term "nowy" refers to the bump as is found on the fire service cross. (More about that later.) A Present Flag of The SMOM. A Maltese coin minted in 1703. This cross was probably adopted while the order was at Malta. The cross of Rhodes was slightly different. One can find resources that give meaning to each of the four branches of any crusader cross. A somewhat thorough website from San Diego suggests that each point, of the Maltese Cross, was said to stand for eight aspirations or obligations. (1) "Live in truth" From: These aspirations or obligations are reflected in the Beatitudes and in fact many resources simply state that the points are meant to represent just that.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit." "Blessed are those who mourn." "Blessed are the meek." "Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness." "Blessed are the merciful." "Blessed are the pure at heart." "Blessed are the peacemakers." "Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness." -Matthew 5: 3-12 If we look at the emblems still in use by some of the worlds oldest fire departments we can see this cross. One of the most obvious uses of a version of the patee-nowy can be seen in Canadian fire brigades. Also in Great Britain, Canada and other such countries, the Maltese cross has evolved into different versions of an eight-pointed star. Or Courtesy RC Etheridge This is known as the “Star of Jerusalem” design, which suggests some relationship to the knights. Commonly the eight points are assigned virtues, much the same way the knights did to the points of the cross. The British fire service's badge design is said to represent: Tact, Gallantry, Dexterity, Observation, Perseverance, Loyalty, Explicitness, Sympathy.

These are very reminiscence of the aspirations of the knights or the chivalric virtues. (If not exactly the same.) One does not have to look very far to find other stylized modifications of this symbol. Below is the version found on fire stations in Maui, Hawaii. Anyone know the history of this one? This does not look much like any seen anywhere else. For more information on the Hawaiian fire service, click on photo. The Cross of St. Florian Idea There are those people or websites who claim that the fire service cross is somehow derived from the Cross of St. Florian. This is a dubious assertion at best. The following serves to report on this claim. In no way should this be considered an endorsement of the idea. Here is a fire department that proclaims, unequivocally, that the fire service emblem is based upon the design of the St. Florian cross. It says: "The badge of a fireman is the St. Florian Cross (oftentimes mistakenly called the Maltese Cross). This St. Florian Cross is a symbol of protection and a badge of honor. Its story is hundreds of years old." It goes on to say, "The St.

Florian Cross is oftentimes confused for the Maltese cross." Note: This story told in the above website is a little confusing because they mix the story of the Knights of St. John and the St. Florian cross. No real references are given other than a link to a Wiki site about the Maltese cross, etc. Resources: Maltese Cross Maltese Cross Number of Players: 2 - 4 Type of Dominoes Used: Any Domino Type of Game: Blocking Game A.K.A. Double Cross What's unique: The highest double is played as set. The highest double is played as set. The set domino must be played on both ends and both sides, forming a 5-tile cross, before any other tile can be played. Number of dominoes drawn: For 2 to 4 players, each player draws 7 tiles. If 5 or more are playing, prior to the start of the game players should determine and agree upon the number of tiles each player should draw from the deck.

(If 2 players, each draws 7 or 8 tiles; 3 or 4 players, draw 5 or 6 tiles.) If there are any remaining tiles after the draw, they are discarded, not used during that hand because there will be no drawing from the boneyard. Set domino: The player holding the highest double begins play. After a tile has been set, play continues to the left. How to play: The highest double is played as set. The set domino must be played on both ends and both sides, forming a 5-tile cross, before any other tile can be played. If a player is unable to match a tile from his hand with a tile in the layout, the player passes his turn to the player on his left. Each player may play only one tile per turn. The first player to get rid of all dominoes announces "Domino!" and wins the came. If none of the players can make a play, the game ends in a block. If a game ends in a block, all the players turn the tiles in their hands faceup, count the pips on each tile, and add them together.

The player with the lowest total wins the game and earns the points (1 point per pip) of all the tiles left remaining in his opponents' hands. The player who first reaches 100 points or more is the overall winner. Set Variations: 1) highest double, and in the event no double is drawn, re-shuffle and re-draw; 2) 6-6, and in the event the 6-6 is not drawn, re-shuffle and re-draw. Other rules: The game can be played with no spinners (which seems the most often used rule) or by using the first double as the only spinner of the game. In most places, Maltese Cross is played to 100 points. However, there are many different variations, including to 50, 150, 200, or 101 points. Reprinted with permission of Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., NY, NY from GREAT BOOK OF DOMINO GAMES by Jennifer Kelley, ©1999 by Jennifer Kelley.

(The Sterling book is available as PUREMCO'S GREAT BOOK OF DOMINO GAMES) History of the Maltese Cross - NSW Ambulance History of the Maltese Cross History of the Maltese Cross History of the Maltese Cross We're all familiar with the Maltese Cross, but perhaps many of us don't know the history of this symbol through which we identify ourselves as an organisation - or even why we've come to wear this striking symbol on our uniforms. To get the answers we need, we have to track back to the eleventh century. If we can put ourselves in this era for a moment: the Sistine Chapel was a couple of hundred of years away from being built (let alone painted by Michelangelo), rock art in the Arnhem Land Plateau begins to depict a new musical instrument called the didgeridoo and the 1066 Battle of Hastings is still a fresh memory for William the Conqueror. To cross the globe some 3,500 kilometres, we now find ourselves in Jerusalem. The year is 1099 and two years previously, a host of crusaders left Western Europe to travel towards Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) and then, onto Jerusalem.

The month is now June of this same year, and the crusaders have descended on Jerusalem. Amidst this tumultuous backdrop, a group of monks (anecdotally called the ‘Hospitallers'), based in Jerusalem, are treating ill pilgrims in their city as they have done for centuries. Now the crusaders have descended, they will go to support the thousands of crusaders who inevitably will require treatment. These ‘Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem' (as the monks were officially called) were required to go onto the battlefields and tend to the sick and injured. They immediately realised two important points for consideration: Firstly, they would need to dress in armour from head to toe and secondly, they needed a symbol to show that they were friend, not foe. In fact, their lives depended on it. So they chose the "Cross of Calvary" as the symbol to identify themselves with. Upon wearing this symbol, which accompanied them to the frontline in the name of first aid, the Knights "received status that became the envy of kings, princes and princesses". They were master mariners, builders, and navigators.

They were the first firefighters and the first paramedics - at least the first organised group." (The Knight in History, Frances Gies, 1984). As a reward for their selflessness, the cross worn by these Knights was decorated and inscribed by their admirers. It came to be known as the most honorable badge of acclaim that could adorn a uniform. So how did this Cross come to be known as the Maltese Cross? The answer is quite straightforward. After the fall of Jerusalem in 1187, the Knights evolved to safeguard the perilous routes taken by medieval pilgrims and they eventually came to Malta in 1530, where they stayed for 268 years. The humanitarian deeds of the now named, ‘Knights of Malta' continued throughout these two centuries, as they built numerous hospitals and healthcare facilities across the Mediterranean. Throughout this time, they continued to wear this symbol with pride, to publicly denote their real concern for the welfare of others. Within this historical context, we can now place the Ambulance Service of NSW in the picture.

If we fast forward several hundred years, to 1895, we find ourselves in a borrowed police station; located off a ramp near Central Station in the heart of Sydney - and the home of our first ambulance station. Our ambulances were then horsedrawn and two permanent officers were on-call at any given time to respond to medical emergencies across Sydney. During this period the ‘Ambulance Bearers' (as they were then called) wore a red cross on their badge to signify their humanitarian role to others. By the turn of the century we were fast evolving, and in 1920 our organisation reached a pivotal year in its history. The (then called) NSW Ambulance Transport Service had its first board meeting on Monday 15 March of this same year, and some two months later, on Wednesday 12 May at 8pm, the Board met to confirm the design through which we would continue to identify ourselves - the Maltese Cross. The minutes of this historical meeting were then typeset and bound into a hard-cover book, now consisting of some 500 faded pages. It is within these pages, that our first design of the Maltese Cross is enclosed.

And it is within these same pages that the original design still remains bold, vibrant and relevant; despite the passing of time since this pivotal meeting. The design has further evolved in the decades that passed since this meeting, now culminating in the symbol NSW paramedics wear today; the symbol through which we identify ourselves as an organisation. The Maltese Cross is indeed an admirable symbol in support of an honourable vocation; a vocation which (officially, at least) began close to 1000 years ago. The four arms traditionally represent: Faith, Justice, Temperance and Fortitude. The eight points traditionally represent Chivalric values: Observation, Tact, Resource, Dexterity, Sympathy, Perseverance, Discrimination and Explicitness. The four arms traditionally represent: Faith, Justice, Temperance and Fortitude. The eight points traditionally represent Chivalric values: Observation, Tact, Resource, Dexterity, Sympathy, Perseverance, Discrimination and Explicitness.

Question: How many points are there on a Maltese Cross?
Answer: EIGHT